Herpes in Cats

Humans are known to contract herpes. A cat can also contract the disease and cause much discomfort to it. The disease is the most common cause of respiratory problems in felines.

The virus, rhinotracheitis or feline herpesvirus infection, causes acute respiratory distress. The symptoms are sneezing, nasal discharge, rhinitis of the nose and conjunctivitis of the eye. It also affects the reproductive tract and can cause problems during pregnancy.

It can occur in kittens, muliticat households, catteries, pet adoption centers, lactating cats, cats with weakened immune systems and unvaccinated cats. It is more likely to contract the disease if it has been overrun by fleas or has had poor nutrition. The worst symptoms will be during the first out break. Although once contracted, it will have the disease for the rest of its life but may suffer less severe outbreaks or no further outbreaks over time.

Most of the time the disease will manifest itself in a cats' eyes. There is an antiviral eye drop available to make a cat more comfortable. Medication containing L-Lysine is available to suppress the virus. Medications for human herpes can cause problems with its blood. If it has the virus, it is important that it be treated.

A veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics, decongestants and/or eye drops or ointments. A cat can be sick up to 10 days. Fresh water and food, cleaning its eyes, isolating it if other animals are around and keeping it warm and comfortable are important in its recovery.

Vaccination is the way to prevent it from contracting the disease. The first time should be 8 to ten weeks after birth, then 12 to 14 weeks and then annually. Keeping it away from an infected cat will also prevent it from getting the disease especially if it has not been vaccinated.